Helpful Score: 4
I enjoyed this book most for its quirky plot and bisexual undertones. Although the blurb on the back cover leads you to believe that one thing will happen, in reality something else altogether really happens. I suppose you could say that this is an examination of the social constructions of class and hierarchy, but that might give you the idea that this is a serious and weighty book, which is totally not the case. You could also say that this book explores the artificial construction of gender and gender-roles in society, but, once again, you might be reading a bit too much into it. In the end, I found this to be an amusing and lighthearted read with interesting supporting characters and some intriguing and rather straight-forward examples of world-building. Not an 'instant classic' by any means, but still worth reading if you enjoy fantasy and want something light and quick.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this several years ago; it is one that stuck in my heart as well as my head. I really enjoyed this book and am searching for a possible sequel. Not really a Mercedes Lackey fan, however, this is a wonderful book, fabulous story!
Helpful Score: 2
Im with Erin, in that I didn't like this book or spending time with its characters. It's dated and not in a good way. This is a book about slavery and in the world of this book men are slaves to women, who have all the magic. If Lackey wrote this book now (or perhaps then, but by herself) then a man would be the narrator. Well, a woman is the narrator. She doesn't learn nearly as much as I'd have her learn. No one does. Not my cuppa, though many here like do like it, so...
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. A society that has women only in control. Women have magic and power over men. I thought it was different. Consider it a book worth reading especially if you like Mercedes Lackey.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked the book over all ( would read it again ) As I do like Piers Anthony books. However I was hopping it would have ended differently.
Helpful Score: 1
Misty always seems to be dragged down when working with another author, and not even the equally talented Piers allows her light shine to its fullest. Two of my faves together should have been great, but I just couldn't get into this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book, and choose it as one of my favorites. I re-read it and had my boyfriend read it aloud to me because it is definitely a different a different world view than our reality.
Women are warriors and some have magic, and men are lesser, often times slaves. Demons are also prolific, though mostly stay in their own society or for their own gain. Many twists, artfully written.
Women are warriors and some have magic, and men are lesser, often times slaves. Demons are also prolific, though mostly stay in their own society or for their own gain. Many twists, artfully written.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book for the first time when I was about 12, and I loved it back then. My copy of it got lost, so I never go to read it again. Now, at 28, I had an opportunity to re-read, and I was glad I did. I had seen several bad reviews, which left me wondering if it has merely appealed to my juvenile view of the world, but I can now say knowingly - this was a good book 16 years ago and it still is.
While being modeled around a very matriarchal society, I find it to be surprisingly anti feminist. There is a distinct role reversal, but it makes the stigmas modern society places on it's women clearly obvious. And it in no way glorifies women, as many feminist works tend to.
It's true that some elements will make you want to roll your eyes, and some parts you will probably see coming. But overall, the writing is solid and the story flows nicely. There is a good blend of magic and romance, along with a sweet coming of age story.
While being modeled around a very matriarchal society, I find it to be surprisingly anti feminist. There is a distinct role reversal, but it makes the stigmas modern society places on it's women clearly obvious. And it in no way glorifies women, as many feminist works tend to.
It's true that some elements will make you want to roll your eyes, and some parts you will probably see coming. But overall, the writing is solid and the story flows nicely. There is a good blend of magic and romance, along with a sweet coming of age story.
Powerful story - a great read
This is one of the best fantasy books I've read.
I read this many years ago, and it turned out to be a book with a lot more depth than I had anticipated from the start.
Hated this book. Big waste of my time.
I quite enjoyed the book. Women ruling over men. Magic. Quests. Love. What's not to like? It's certainly a break from those wizard ruled fantasy novels.
really good read its strange but i like it
Good book.
